But all your flaws and scars are mine

Chapter 5

When I awake the next day I'm less anxious than I thought I would be. I suppose the hard part for me is over, for now, I actually got the date.

I go and pick up the care package from Osha early, she insured me everything inside would remain hot or cold, whatever was needed, for a good twelve hours.

She truly out did herself. Osha put the picnic in a large backpack that I can wear easily, and a quick look inside shows me a thermos that she says is filled with coffee, a bottle of champagne, waters and a lunch big and fancy enough to feed the royal family.

On top of it are blankets and she even fit in some small pillows. They're even nice looking. I would've just picked up the first towel or throw I could find in my apartment. Not because I don't care, but I'm a man and we miss out on details, a lot.

On the way home I stop by the small flower shop near our building and get Sansa flowers. Red and yellow tulips catch my eye from the window and I picked them immediately. The florist put the bottoms in a tube of water and wrapped them in simple brown paper and tied it with twine.

My stomach starts somersaulting when I'm showering and adds in some

roundoffs while I put my clothes on. I keep it practical with my olive green hiking pants, a simple black long sleeved tee and my hiking boots. I hear my phone just as I grab my outdoor coat on my way to the kitchen.

When I see its a message from Sansa my heart stops, dread hitting me like a literal slap. That evil old dog in my mind tells me she's canceling, she has to be.

Sansa ✨ : Good morning! Slight change of plans, I'll meet you at your car, I have to pick up something. I can't wait to start our day 😊

A whoosh of air leaves my lungs in relief and I also feel a little stupid. I know her better than to have allowed the thought that she would ditch me to even cross my mind. Really, it was more my own insecurities and nothing Sansa did.

Sandor: Morning little bird. Alright, I'll meet you there. Me too, can't wait to see you

I press send before I can chicken out of being honest with her. There's not much left to do now and shortly after, with one last pat of my pockets and a glance around my living room, I leave for the garage.

My hope was to get to the car first but leaving the lift to the sight of Sansa leaning against my trunk is one image I've ingrained to my memory.

"Hey." She says to me with a bright smile as I approach her.

I'm glad now that I placed the flowers in an extra tote Osha suggested I bring with some additional napkins and shite. I want to give them to Sansa during the date, not in a dingy parking garage.

"Hey yourself." I smirk. Remembering how she seemed to appreciate my attention the day prior, I check her out before unlocking the wagon.

Funnily enough, she's also wearing olive green pants and I chuckle when I see them. She didn't use a paint brush to put these on but it's close, they're at least a little sturdier looking than the blue ones from the lift. Thank god.